A gap in your smile changes more than how you look. You start chewing on one side and catch your tongue drifting into the empty space. The dental bridge procedure is one of the most common ways to close that gap and get back a smile that works.
Sandcreek Dental in Glendive, MT, combines small-town hospitality with advanced dental technology. Here’s what the process looks like from start to finish.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a fixed restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth. It has one or more artificial teeth, called pontics, held in place by the natural teeth or implants on either side, called abutments. Bridges help you chew and speak properly, keep the shape of your face, and stop your other teeth from drifting out of position.
Types of Dental Bridges
There are several types of dental bridges, and the team at Sandcreek Dental will help you understand which fits your needs.
Traditional Dental Bridge
This is the most common type. It has one or more pontics held in place by dental crowns cemented onto the abutment teeth.
Cantilever Dental Bridge
This bridge is used when there are teeth on only one side of the gap. It’s less common and usually placed in areas that don’t take much chewing force.
Maryland Bonded Bridge
This type uses a metal or porcelain framework bonded to the backs of the neighboring teeth. Its advantage is that the abutment teeth need very little reshaping.
Implant-Supported Bridge
This bridge is anchored to dental implants placed in the jawbone. It’s a strong, long-lasting option that doesn’t rely on your natural teeth for support.
The Dental Bridge Procedure, Step by Step
Getting a dental bridge at Sandcreek Dental is a carefully planned process, so you know what’s coming at every stage.
Initial Consultation and Evaluation
We start with a full exam to see if a bridge is right for you. This may include digital X-rays and scans of your teeth.
Preparing the Abutment Teeth
Next, we prepare the teeth on either side of the gap by gently reshaping them so they can hold the dental crowns.
Taking Impressions
We take an impression of your teeth, which is used as a model to make your bridge, pontic, and crowns.
Temporary Bridge
At Sandcreek Dental, a temporary bridge may be placed to protect your teeth and gums while your permanent bridge is being made. It also means you don’t have to walk around with a gap in the meantime.
Fitting the Permanent Bridge
When your permanent bridge is ready, you’ll come back so we can fit it and make adjustments. We check your bite carefully so it feels comfortable when you chew.
Benefits of a Dental Bridge
A dental bridge from Sandcreek Dental has plenty of advantages:
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Functional: It restores your natural biting force so you can eat your favorite foods again.
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Aesthetic: It looks natural and blends in with your other teeth, which can boost your confidence when you smile.
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Preventive: It stops your remaining teeth from drifting, which can lead to more oral health problems.
Risks and Considerations
Dental bridges are a common, well-established treatment, but there are a few things to keep in mind:
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Sensitivity: You may have mild sensitivity for a short time after the procedure.
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Decay and Gum Disease: Good care is important to prevent decay or gum disease around the bridge.
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Durability: With proper care, bridges can last many years, but they will eventually need to be replaced.
How Sandcreek Dental Stands Out
Choosing Sandcreek Dental for your dental bridge procedure means you benefit from advanced technology like CEREC for same-day crowns, so you spend less time without a full smile. Our care is personal, and we plan each step with you. If dental visits make you nervous, we offer sedation options to help you relax.
Dental Bridge Maintenance Tips
A little daily care keeps your bridge in good shape:
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Brush twice a day and floss around your bridge to remove plaque and food particles.
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Visit Sandcreek Dental regularly for checkups and cleanings.
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Avoid very hard foods, like ice or hard candy, that could damage your bridge.
FAQs About the Dental Bridge Procedure
How long do dental bridges last?
With good oral hygiene and regular dental visits, dental bridges can last between 5 to 15 years.
What will my dental bridge look like?
Your bridge will be made to match your natural teeth in color and shape, so it blends in with your smile.
Is the procedure painful?
Local anesthesia numbs the area, so most people feel very little during the procedure. Some soreness afterward is normal.
What if I have dental anxiety?
Sandcreek Dental offers sedation options to help you stay relaxed and comfortable.
Filling the Gap and Smiling Again
You don’t have to keep hiding the space in your smile. Our team in Glendive, MT, would love to help you feel confident again. Contact Sandcreek Dental to schedule a consultation and learn whether the dental bridge procedure is right for you.
